My focus: I will be focusing on neglect – not providing physical, emotional, or social needs
- inadequate food, clothing, shelter
- lack of social contact, support
- health needs not attended to.
as well as the need to speak up about this abuse, as most elder abuse cases go undetected.
I will be aiming to raise awareness of the issues, and start discussion – I think my posters should be aimed toward older people, to encourage them to speak up about issues they are facing.
Statistics and Information:
http://www.agewell.org.nz/health_elder_abuse.html
- Up to 70,000 seniors will experience some form of elder abuse this year and the sad reality is that 79% of reported cases occur at the hands of family members. Most cases are not reported.
- It is difficult to know exactly how common elder abuse is, as most goes unreported. An analysis of data from the New Zealand Longitudinal Study of Ageing concluded that 10% of the population aged over 65 years who are living in the community experience abuse. International studies report that 3% – 10% of older people experience abuse or neglect each year. It happens to men and women of every religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic group.
- However, much abuse goes unreported. It has been estimated that only 1 in 14 of all abuse incidents come to the attention of a service agency that can intervene to help stop the abuse. https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/journals-and-magazines/social-policy-journal/spj35/35-keeping-older-people-safe.html
- Supporting community and societal change that reduces ageism and promotes positive and valued roles for older people will contribute to the wider goal. Practical strategies – such as the provision of information for older people, family and carers – that support the empowerment of older people may also help to minimise the risks of elder abuse and neglect. http://www.superseniors.msd.govt.nz/documents/osc-elder-abuse-neglect-june-15.pdf
- Women experienced a greater sense of vulnerability, dependence and dejection
- Older people who were divorced, separated or widowed people felt considerably more sad and lonely, or were uncomfortable with someone in their family
- Older Māori experienced a significantly greater level of abuse than non-Māori. Māori report being coerced more than 2.5 times the rate for nonMāori, meaning they are forced to do things they don’t want to do and people take things from them without their permission
- Failure to address current levels of elder abuse is likely to have significant effects in the future. This is because the report shows statistically significant reductions in physical and mental health and wellbeing, as well as increases in loneliness and depression associated with elder abuse
- Projections indicate that the number of older people experiencing elder abuse and neglect will increase significantly in the next 20 years, alongside a doubling of the 65 and over population.
Word Lists:
Elderly:
Old person
Walking stick
Zimmer frame
Glasses
Wheelchair
Cardigan
Blankets / quilts
Bed
Hearing aid
Nighgown
Radio
Knitting, needles, sewing
Rocking chair
Teapot / cup of tea / tea cozy
False Teeth
Newspaper
Slippers
Shannon Perry Ihi Wehi 